The Shadow of the Wind-Week 7, Post B

The story of Penelope Aldaya and Julian Carax resembles a Romeo and Juliet sort of tale. It is the story of forbidden love and ends with the loves becoming separated, never to see each other again. Neither of them dies, but Penelope’s family moves to Argentina, taking her with them. Julian is left alone in Paris, having just fled Barcelona. They sneak around for quite some time before they decide to run away together. Unfortunately Mrs. Aldaya walks in on Julian and Penelope one day, causing much controversy. Julian is forced to leave Barcelona or his father and Mr. Aldaya will dispense him to the army. The day Julian and Penelope were discovered was the last time they ever saw each other. It is a truly tragic story. I made another connection with the story of Romeo and Juliet however. Jacinta is the maid who works in the Aldaya home and she is Penelope’s best friend. Penelope has known her all her life and tells her absolutely everything. Jacinta reminds me of the nurse from Romeo and Juliet because of her close connection to Penelope and her help to give Julian and Penelope time together. She covers for Penelope on many occasions while she and Julian are sneaking around and even looked for opportunities for the two of them to be together. Penelope meant everything to Jacinta and they had full trust in each other. I would not be surprised if Carlos Ruiz Zafon had the story of Romeo and Juliet in mind while inventing the love tale between Penelope and Julian.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 7, Post A

Women are perceived in a more domestic fashion in the time and setting of The Shadow of the Wind. They are expected to stay at home and care for the children and house. This perception does not surprise me considering the time period this story takes place. During the 1940s in Europe, women did not have all the freedoms they have today. Domesticity was expected of them. There also seems to be a great lack of respect for women by the men in this story. The language and the context they continually use while discussing women is disrespectful and knows no boundries. The men are not ashamed of what they are saying and appear quite shallow to a female like me. There has been a plethora of men who shamelessely cheat on their spouses and also men who are only satisfied with the most beautiful of women. The men seem to have standards for women that they expect all women to uphold, which is a riduculous request.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 6, Post B

I am completely taken aback by this new knowledge that Inspector Fumero was one of Carax’s childhood friends. When Fumero was being described as a child I was not surprised to find out who he was. His childhood behaviors are exactly like his adult behaviors and his personality has not changed. I am wondering if Fumero has something to do with Lain Coubert or with trying to erase Carax from people’s mind. Although Carax was Fumero’s only friend as a child, Fumero always seemed to have a grudge against Carax. I would even go as far as to say that he was jealous of Carax, especially when Carax and Penelope began their relationship. We learn that Fumero had an obsession with Penelope and this could be the reason why Fumero has it out for Carax. I would predict that this jealousy over Penelope would be enough incentive for Fumero considering his devious and disturbing personality. If Fumero were to discover Daniel’s Carax investigation it could be very dangerous for Daniel. Fumero seems to me like a disturbed person and I don’t think he’s the kind of person who would give up on his grudge against Carax. These traits could be detrimental to Daniel because Fumero’s perseverance could harm him. He might go as far as to torture him to get the Carax novels Daniel has in possession.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 6, Post A

Some characters are exhibiting behaviors that display an open-minded outlook on meeting new people. This open-mindedness does not appear as much in America. A prime example of this open-mindedness is the meeting between Daniel and Nuria Monfort. Daniel learned that Nuria had a connection with Julian Carax and decided to go to her home to question her. When Daniel arrived at Nuria's apartment, Nuria clearly was suspicious as to why he had come to question her, but she did not let this limit the information she provided for him. She was open-minded about Daniel's intentions and allowed him into her home without many questions. Even after Daniel displayed an interest in Nuria, despite their age difference and the fact that she is married, Nuria still let him question her and to be in her home. This behavior goes both ways. Daniel walked into Nuria's home and the first thing he notices is that it is dirty, unkept, and dismal. He then learns that Nuria's husband is in jail and she is waiting for him to get out. This does not change Daniel's view of Nuria and he allowes himself to get to know her without have pre-conceived opinions. Not only does he get to know her, but Daniel even finds himself falling for her and has to fight urges not to lean in and kiss her.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 5, Post B

I am convinced that Daniel has a weakness for women who are not his own age. There have been three instances when Daniel has fallen for a woman beyond his years. The first was Clara, the second was Bea, and the third was Nuria. The author has yet to write about Daniel falling for someone his own age. I do however support Daniel and Bea’s relationship if she chooses him. Bea is currently engaged to a man serving time in the military and they have planned to get married once he has finished his service. I have no doubt in my mind that Daniel would make a better fit than her fiancé. Bea has displayed clear signs that she is not truly in love with her fiancé and she also displayed quite an interest in Daniel. While I believe they should be together, there is a problem. Bea is Daniel’s best friend Tomas’s older sister. When Tomas came in to see Daniel the day after Bea came home late from being out with Daniel, Tomas discussed his father’s rage at Bea when she arrived home so late and he claimed that he would rip the limbs off the guy she was with. This obviously made Daniel extremely nervous and he guilt himself into telling Tomas that the mystery guy was him. Tomas did not seem pleased to hear this, but he did not protest against the relationship. He simply said “Don’t hurt my sister,” and got up and left. I have reason to believe that Daniel’s interest in Bea goes beyond infatuation, as opposed to his previous interests.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 5, Post A

It may be because of the time period that this novel takes place, but I noticed a higher degree of Anti-Semitism in the novel which takes place in Barcelona. The novel takes place during the 1940s, right after the Spanish Civil War. I'm sure the only reason I noticed this is because of the time period the novel is set in. There was a large amount of Anti-Semitism during the 1940s due to the rise of the Nazi party and of Hitler. I am not very knowlegeable about the level of Anti-Semitism in Spain at the time, but I am quite aware of how the countries around Spain felt in terms of Anti-Semitism. I am currently taking a course in A.P. European History. The quote that stuck out the most to me was this: "'The man is going to get you into trouble one of these days, mark my words. He's an anarchist, a Mason, or a Jew at the very least. With that great big nose of his-'" A woman in the novel made this statement about a man who spent his days as a polite watchmaker, and his nights as a transvestite. It is safe to say that there was a lot of intoleration to the homosexuals of the time as well.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 4, Post B

An inspector showed up recently at the Semperes’ bookshop inquiring about their neighbor, Don Federico, a simple watchmaker. The inspector, who we learn is named Fumero, is suspicious of Federico and consistently refers to him as a “pansy”. At one point during the conversation between Daniel and Fumero, Fumero subtly accuses Federico of being a communist. I’m beginning to wonder if this inspector and Federico have anything to do with the mystery of Julian Carax. Could the reason for people wanting to burn Carax’s novels be political? This story takes place right after World War II and the threat of Communism is a prominent concern. Daniel has never mentioned anything regarding Communist connotations in his copy of Carax’s The Shadow of the Wind. However, it is important to keep in mind that Daniel was around eleven years old when he read Carax’s novel. He might not have been fully aware of Communism and even if he was it is doubtful that he sufficiently understood it. In a letter Daniel uncovered that was written to Carax from his mother, Penelope, some questionable information is found. She’s very secretive and is careful not to give away too much information in the letter. Penelope discusses Carax’s running away from home, and tries to convince him that what he has heard about her is not true. She does not give great insight into what exactly she is accused of, nor is the reader able to decipher why she is currently in hiding. I feel that there is a high possibility that whatever Penelope is hiding from may be a political conflict which could be the reason for the visit of the inspector and the suspicion of Federico.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 4, Post A

There is a division between what is acceptable based on wealth and social standing and not on character. A person's character is often second to where they are in the class system in this culture. In the novel, Daniel is falling for his best friend Tomas's older sister, Bea. Bea is currently engaged to her boyfriend of a few years who serves in the military. His service in the military places him high on the social pyramid. From Bea's responses to questions about her fiance, I am getting the impression that she would prefer not to marry him. It seems she is only marrying him to stick to the status quo. I am also under the impression that she is reciprocating Daniel's feelings and falling for him as well. Daniel, however is not wealthy, nor is his family "socially acceptable" to the standards of the upper middle class in Barcelona. The Semperes own a small bookshop which Daniel works for. He cannot comete with a man who is serving in the military. I am interested to see if Daniel follows his heart and seeks Bea or if he will deem to accept that he cannot compare to her fiance.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 3, Post B

This mystery of Julian Carax is intriguing. Daniel keeps finding more and more clues into Carax’s puzzling life and I love it when he does because it gets him closer to discovering why people are opposed to Carax. Daniel may even be able to find Carax if he gathers enough information. I am baffled has to why some people are so opposed to Carax. I cannot understand why people would want to burn his novels. Everything I’ve heard about his novels has been unmistakably positive. His novels have been described as entrancing, magnificent works of art that deserve to be recognized. As I sit here and try to predict what clue Daniel will discover next in the novel, I can’t help but wonder about the strange man who cornered Daniel and demanded that Daniel give him his Carax novel in order for him to burn it. I am beginning to think that this man could possibly be Carax in disguise. One thing Daniel seems to have learned is that Carax is still alive but nobody knows where he and barely anybody even knows who he is. So it would be quite simple for Carax to disguise himself. However, I have trouble understanding what incentive Carax could possible have to burn his own novel. It may seem that my prediction is poorly backed but I only suggested this because something in my instinct says I may be on the right track. I am anxious to learn more about Carax and see if my prediction is correct.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 3, Post A

In our society here in the United States, a close friendship between a grown man and a young boy would be considered suspicious. In The Shadow of the Wind Tomas and Fermin develop a very close relationship and they spend quite a lot of time together. Fermin is an older man in possibly his 50s while Tomas is probably 16 years old. I would consider this to be a cultural difference because in the United States close friendships between adults and children usually cause a raised eyebrow if the adult is not related to the child. There seems to be a lot more distrust of adults here in the United States than there was in Barcelona around 1945. I realized this to be a cultural difference because as I was reading of their newfound friendship I felt as though this was rather abnormal when in reality, this was a normal practice in Barcelona. I noticed this unsual close friendship between Daniel and Clara as well. Clara is twice Daniel's age and yet they created a bond that proved itself to be strong enough to break Daniel's heart in the end. I felt uncomfortable with the relationship as it was growing and I knew it was because I am not used to adults and children having relationships this close. It will be interesting to see if any more of these adult/child friendships spark throughout the novel.

More World Issue Articles

"Analysis: What does Hamas really want?" from Jerusalem Post on http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208422652748&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

"Israeli, Palestinian Leaders Hold Talks on Gaza" from CNN on http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/04/13/mideast/index.html

"Carter Says Hamas and Syria Are Open to Peace" from New York Times on http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/world/middleeast/22mideast.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast&oref=slogin#

World Issue Topic and Articles

I will be researching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Here are some articles that I am going to use.

"Israel's Strategy for Combating Palestinian Terror" from Joint Force Quaterly accessed on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307-0-5309&artno=0000185244&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Israel%27s%20Strategy%20for%20Combating%20Palestinian%20Terror&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y

"War Begins in Mideast" from UPI'S 20th Century Top Stories accessed on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307-0-5309&artno=0000257708&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=War%20Begins%20in%20Mideast&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y

"MIDEAST TURMOIL: The History; Imperative of Faith, Advanced by Force" from New York Times
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E2D7113FF931A15757C0A9649C8B63&scp=8&sq=origin+of+israeli-palestinian+conflict&st=nyt

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 2, Post B

It seems that all the younger characters in this novel somehow come to find a mentor with whom they become very closely attached to. First, Daniel finds Clara and immediately begins spending large amounts of time with her. He is enamored of her and looks up to her in many ways. There is a point in the story when all Daniel can talk about is Clara. Personally, I found the relationship unhealthy and strange. It upset me that Daniel wouldn’t face reality that he was never going to get this woman, who is twice his age, to fall in love with him. I wouldn’t have minded the relationship had Daniel not been so insistent on spending every waking hour with her. For the period of time that Daniel kept in touch with Clara, he allowed himself and his best friend Tomas to become completely estranged. I was quite surprised that Tomas accepted Daniel back into his life so quickly and without explanation. Speaking of Tomas, he also finds himself a mentor. Fermin, the new bookseller at the Semperes’ bookstore makes a connection with Tomas over their common interest of inventions. They create a strong bond rather quickly and Fermin even decides he care so much about Tomas that he is going to help in get rid of his stammer, which could hold him back from impressing fellow inventors in the future. I do hope that Fermin does not create a pattern of gravely disappointing Tomas as Clara disappointed Daniel. If a pattern is created, there’s only so much time before another mentor is discovered that consumes another child’s life.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 2, Post A

A major difference in terms of society that I have noticed in The Shadow of the Wind is the formality in the way the adults address younger people. Typically, an older person will use more informal language when referring to a younger person (say, teens or early 20s). There is an older man in the novel named Fermin and he works for the Semperes' book store. When introduced to Daniel's best friend Tomas Alguilar, he uses formal language towards him. Fermin doesn't use this language just upon meeting Tomas, but he continually uses it as time goes on.

"After that they became engrossed in an unintelligable discussion about arcane mathematics, which was Dutch to me. From day on, Fermin always addressed him with formal usted or called him 'doctor,' and pretended not notice the boy's stammer." (95-96)

The other reason for this formality could be that Tomas has proven himself to be as intelligent as Fermin which provides for interesting discussion between the two. Fermin could be impressed by Tomas's knowledge of inventions that he decides to refer to him as an equal rather than a younger person.

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 1, Post B

Dear Mr. Zafon,
I am sincerely enjoying your novel. This story is unbelievably enticing and is quickly becoming one of my new favorite books. I find myself unable to put this book down and continually convince myself that I can read another chapter when I know I should be done. This is unlike many stories I've read and I can honestly say that I was not expecting this type of story when I picked up this novel. It has been quite a pleasant surprise. You are so creative I don't understand how you come up with these ideas. Everytime they praise Carax in your novel I believe that you deserve an equal amount of praise. I love how you've created a story that incorporates adventure, love, mystery, and growth. Although I am truly loving your novel, I still can't bring myself to like Daniel very much. It could possibly that he began the novel as an eleven year old and I am simply tired of hearing about his relentless obsession with Clara, a girl twice his age. I am finding him pathetic, but it appears that he will be forced to mature if he plans on protecting Carax's novel. That task demands strong willpower. I am delighted to hear that Daniel has almost completely stopped thinking about Clara. I understand that he was angry to find her sleeping with another man, but how angry can he really be? I know he's jealous, but he can't imagine that at sixteen years old, he has a chance with a woman over twenty. I found it ridiculous that he was so tormented by that. I will concede that it wasn't right for Adrian Neri to beat him up for barging in on them, but at sixteen he should be able to move on. I truly hope Daniel finds a nice girl his own age. I think a girl would do well for him.

Thank you for writing this novel,
Emily

The Shadow of the Wind-Week 1, Post A

A prominant difference I'm noticing culturally is the level of comfort with strangers. The protagonist, Daniel Sempere, becomes quite upset one night and decides to take a walk. On his walk he visits a friend's house where he finds an extremely dissapointing sight that he wasn't meant to see. Daniel gets severely beat up that night because of what he saw and is back to wandering around the streets. It's probably around midnight, and Daniel comes across a homeless man who offers him some wine and a shelter form the rain under his cardboard roof.

"'What a minute, at least until the rain eases off,' the beggar suggested. He took me by the arm and led me to a corner under the arches where he kept a bundle of possessions and a bag with old, dirty clothes. 'I have a bit of wine. It's not too bad. Drink a little. It will help you warm up. And disinfect that...' I took a swig from the bottle he offered me. It tasted of diesel oil laced with vinegar, but its heat calmed my stomach and my nerves." (63)

Common sense tells would prevent me from being lead into a place by a strange, degenerate old man, much less drink any of his wine. This novel takes place in Barcelona, close after the war. I wonder if the war is what caused people to be less cautious because there must be quite a few beggars on the street who simply have no where to go. However, this instance is not the only one that displays a certain comfort with strangers which is why it sparked my attention.

Why I Chose The Shadow of the Wind

I have chosen the novel The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon for outside reading this quarter. I became interested in this novel because I remember my mom reading it last year and absolutely loving the story. I also remembered it was a world literature novel and decided it would be a good choice for outside reading this quarter. I am excited to begin this novel and anticipate this to be an engaging story. I am also interested in this novel because it is about a subject I know very little about. I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge about this dismal time in history.

The Kite Runner-Week 7, Post B

This novel has taken me on such an amazing journey. I have been enticed from the very beginning and the author kept my interest all the way to the end. There have not been many books I've read for school that have done that. Khaled Hosseini does an impecable job of revealing the horrors and truths about the struggling country of Afghanistan. I never knew how bad things really were until I read his novel. It has truly opened my eyes. The reader bonds with many of the characters and personally suffers when the characters suffer. This is an emotional story that will rip at your heartstrings. To read a story as compelling as The Kite Runner forces the reader to evaluate their own life. Amir spent the majority of his life regretting one day in his childhood when he didn't stand up for his best friend who was being sexually abused right before his eyes. I believe a major message this story is teaching is simply this: Do the right thing. That may be a lesson one learns in kindergaten, but people forget how important that message really is. It's a message that follows you your entire life and is not meant to be forgotten.

The Kite Runner-Week 7, Post A

Vocab:
-Squalid (329): Foul and repulsive, as from lack of care or cleanliness; neglected and filthy.
-Milieu (338): Surroundings, esp. of a social or cultural nature

Figurative Language:
"He gave me a curt little shake; it felt like squeezing a sparrow." (328) This quote is an example of a similie describing the quality of Raymond Andrews's handshake.

"I felt like Jean Valjean sitting across from Javert." (328) This statement is an example of a similie describing how Amir was feeling sitting across from Raymond Andrews. If you are familiar with the show Les Miserables you understand that Amir is feelign very nervous and there is quite a bit of tension.

"He pressed his hands palm to palm, as if he were kneeling before the Virgin Mary." (330) This statement is an example of a similie describing the way Raymond Andrews folded his hands.

Quote:
"'Can I ask you something Mr. Andrews?'
'Yes.'
'Do you have children?'
For the first time, he blinked.
'Well do you? It's a simple question.'
He was silent.
'I thought so,' I said, taking Sohrab's hand. 'They ought to put someone in your chair who knows what it's like to want a child.' I turned to go, Sohrab trailing me." (331) I found this quote to be a clear example that Amir is finally taking initiative to help others besides himself. He has told his story to Soraya, which I think has lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. Now that his story is out in the open, he feels that he can finally repay Hassan for all the good Hassan did to him in their childhood. I have not seen Amir be this assertive with anyone before and I believe this experience with Sohrab has changed him permanently.

Theme:
The theme I noticed in this passage was the importance of taking initiative to help others who deserve it. Even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone.

The Kite Runner-Week 6, Post B

Hassan continues to surprise me with his fierce willpower. His mother, after leaving him the day he was born, returns to reconcile and Hassan finds it in his heart to forgive her. Not only does he forgive her, but he takes her in his home and nurses her back to health. This woman never even held her newborn son. When Sohrab was born, it was nice to see Sanaubar taking such an active role in his life. She clearly regretted the time missed raising her own son and decided to compensate by helping to raise her grandson. She became a prominent figure in this boy's life and as Rahim Kahn said, "The two of them were inseperable." I'm glad that for the few years she had left, she was able to reconnect with her son and actively participate in his family. Hassan is one of the strongest characters I have ever read about. It's the little things he does that makes him appear so emotionally strong and stable. For instance, when he returned to Baba's house to live with Rahim Kahn he insisted that he and his wife live in the hut in the backyard out of respect. Rahim Kahn continually told them they were welcome in the home, but Hassan would hear nothing of it. I would have wished that Hassan would have just gone and lived in the house, but he displayed such willpower and respect in that little decision. Every decision he makes seems to reflect upon his strong sense of self and others.

The Kite Runner-Week 6, Post A

Vocab:
-Affable (205): pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly; cordial; warmly polite
-Caracul (200): Any of a breed of Central Asian sheep having a wide tail and wool that is curled and glossy in the young but wiry and coarse in the adult.

Figurative Language:
"'It sounded like a jaroo, a broomstick, snapping in half.'" (192) This quote is an example of a similie describing the sound of the general's hip fracturing when he tripped on a carpet edge.

"But I remember it was a scorching summer day and I was driving up a rutted dirt road, nothing on either side but sunbaked bushes, gnarled, spiny tree trunks, and dried grass like pale straw." (204-205) This passage is an example of a similie describing the terrain in Hassan's village.

"...beyond them nothing but broad sky and mountains like jagged teeth." (205) This statement is a similie describing the setting of Hassan's village.

Quote:
"You should have seen Sanaubar with that baby, Amir jan. He became the center of her existence. She sewed clothes for him, built him toys from scraps of wood, rags, and dried grass. When he caught a fever, she stayed up all night, and fasted for three days. She burned isfand for him on a skillet to cast out nazar, the evil eye. By the time Sohrab was two, he was calling her Sasa. The two of them were inseperable." (211) I was pleased to read this passage because it shows that Sanaubar truly regrets leaving Hassan the day he was born. She knows she cannot raise Hassan again, but to imerse herself in her grandson's life is the next best thing. I was shocked to see that she had come back. After all these years I wonder what compelled her to return.

Theme:
A theme I have noticed in this passage of the novel is forgiveness. It took a lot of willpower for Hassan to forgive Sanaubar and even take her in and care for her.

The Kite Runner-Week 5, Post B

Throughout this passage of reading, I have come to dislike Amir even more than before. He is whiny, doesn't stand up for himself, and he doesn't take matters into his own hands. For example, the situation with Baba's cancer. Amir desperately wanted Baba to go into treatment and Baba kept resisting. Amir did not put forth a great effort to put his father through treatment and maybe if he had showed some backbone, Baba might have agreed to go through with it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying this book and if Khaled Hosseini's goal is to make me hate Amir, he has done a wonderful job. I am under the impression that that is his goal because the language in which he describes Amir does not make him sound like an appealing guy. He is so dependent on others and I believe marrying Soraya was a good thing for him because she's tough and might teach him to stand up for himself and live his own life. So far the only thing I can think of that Amir has chosen to do himself is marry Soraya. No one told him to do this so snaps for Amir. But not really, because it's still pathetic. I sincerely hope that Soraya causes him to mend his ways and become a real man. At this point though, I don't see that happening.

Sorry,
Emily

The Kite Runner-Week 5, Post A

Vocab:
-Maladies (177): any disorder or disease of the body, esp. one that is chronic or deepseated.
-Wedlock (179): the state of marriage; matrimony.

Figurative Language:
"His shoulder blade felt like a bird's wing under my fingers." (161) This statement is an example of a similie describing the severe amount of weight Baba has lost throughout his illness.

"A blush, red like henna, bloomed on her cheeks." (171) This quote is an example of a similie describing Soraya's feeling of flattery when Amir told her he loved her.

"I could see his internal smile, as wide as the skies of Kabul on nights when the poplars shivered and the sound of crickets swelled in the gardens." (173) This passage is an example of a similie describing the expression on Baba's face.

Quote:
"They filled the parking spots at the mosque in Hayward. On the balding grass field behind the building, cars and SUVs parked in crowded makeshift rows. People had to drive three or four blocks north of the mosque to find a spot." I never realized how well-liked and admired Baba was until I read this quote. I understood that many people liked him, but it never occured to me that it was this many people. I suppose I find this surprising because I only see the side of Baba that Amir sees, which for the most part, is not pleasant. As Baba grew older I was more aware of his nature and I can understand why he was so well-liked.

Theme:
The theme I'm noticing in this passage of the novel relates back to the beginning. Friendship is imperitive. Every person needs someone to rely on.

The Kite Runner-Week 4, Post B

I find it interesting that Baba had been considered wealthy and was placed high on the social hierarchy back in Kabul, but when he comes to America, he must completely start over. Baba gets a job at a gas station, working minimum wage, and I don't understand why he couldn't use some of his wealth from Kabul to help in America. I understand that if someone has a degree in one country, and then emigrates to another, sometimes that degree is not acknowledged and they must start from the beginning to get back to the job they held back home. I don't remember what Baba did back in Kabul; it seemed like he simply had good blood and came from a wealthy family. I believe this because he always seemed to be attending lavish parties and meeting important people. In America, however, all of that changed. He had to start from the ground up, which was quite difficult for him. Baba appears to be a hard worker though, and it seems like he is able to stay on his feet. It's impressive that he is able to keep his family steady by working at a gas station. Clearly, he understood that he couldn't rely on his previous wealth to get him through life once he arrived in America.

The Kite Runner-Week 4, Post A

Vocab:
-Dissertations (125): A lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis.
-Brash (125): impertinent; impudent; tactless

Figurative Language:
"There are only three real men in this world Amir,' he'd say. He's count them off on his fingers: America the brash savior, Britain, and Israel. 'The rest of them-' he used to wave his hand and make a phht sound '-they're like gossiping old women.'" (125) This quote is an example of a similie describing what Baba thought of the world with the exception of three countries.

"'He's not fit to run this country. It's like putting a boy who can't ride a bike behind the wheel of a brand new Cadillac.'" (126) This quote is an example of a similie describing Baba's views of President Jimmy Carter.

"Baba walked out of the welfare office like a man cured of a tumor." (131) This statement is an example of a similie describing the great sensation Baba felt when he returned the food stamps to his eligibility officer.

Quote:
"'Amir is going to be a great writer,' Baba said. I did a double take at this. 'He has finished his first year of college and earned A's in all of his courses.'" (139) This quote is significant because it shows Baba finally accepting his son for who he is and realizing that he should be quite proud of Amir's talent. This is a big step for Baba and could change the relationship between Baba and Amir forever.

Theme:
I seem to be finding a theme of acceptance throughout this passage of the novel. Baba becoming more accepting of Amir, Amir becoming more accepting of Baba. All in all, their relationship is growing stronger.

The Kite Runner-Week 3, Post B

Significant Quote:
"If I changed my mind and asked for a bigger and fancier kite, Baba would buy it for me-but then he'd buy it for Hassan too. Sometimes I wished he wouldn't do that. Wished he'd let me be the favorite."(51) This quote demonstrates exactly why I don't like Amir. Amir has a good life, with a less-than-great father and an extremely loyal friend. And yet he still continues to wish for more. Hassan's life is far less fortunate than Amir's and I think it's wonderful that Baba includes Hassan so much in family affairs. Here's my question: If Amir really cared about Hassan as a friend, wouldn't he be content with Baba including him? I understand that Baba wishes Amir were different, more "manly", so to speak, however Amir can still be OK with Baba's helping Hassan. This trait of Amir's has given me a poor outlook on him. I just can't bring myself to like him and I wish he would be more understanding of the people around. He claims Hassan is his friend, which I don't deny to be true, but it wouldn't kill him to show a little more compassion toward Hassan. Does he realize how many times Hassan has stood up for Amir? Compare that to the amount of times Amir has returned the favor and it appears the friendship only truly beneifts Amir.

The Kite Runner-Week 3, Post A

Vocab:
-Bloodletting (36): Bloodshed or slaughter
-Grandiose (40): Affectedly grand or important; pompous

Figurative Language:
"Something roared like thunder." (35) This quote is an example of a similie describing the loud and unexpected sound that came from something unknown.

"The earth shook a little and we heard the rat-a-tat-tat of gunfire." (35) This statement is an example of onomatopoeia describing the sound of the gunshot.

"But when the numbing medicine wore off later that night, it felt like someone had pressed a red hot coal to my loins." (46) This passage is an example of a similie describing the pain Amir felt after his circumcision.
Quote:
"But he's not my friend! I almost blurted. He's my servant! Had I really thought of that? Of course, I hadn't. I hadn't. I treated Hassan well, just like a friend, better even, more like a brother. But if so, then why, when Baba's friends came to visit with their kids, didn't I ever include Hassan in our games? Why did I play with Hassan only when no one else was around?" (41) This quote is significant because it displays Amir's self-reflection that is finally allowing him to see how he treats Hassan. He has become so accustomed to treating Hassan like a friend who is also clearly his servant. Amir doesn't realize how horrible that looks from the outside. I've noticed throughout the novel that Amir treats Hassan this way and it always bothers me. I wonder if this new realization by Amir will cause him to change his ways.

Theme:
The theme that seems to be present in this passage of the novel is realization. There appears to be a lot of realization of poor choices by many of the characters.

The Kite Runner-Week 2, Post B

Significant Quote:
"The curious thing was , I never thought of Hassan and me as friends either. Not in the usual sense, anyhow. Never mind that we taught each other to ride a bicycle with no hands, or to build a fully functional homemade camera out of a cardboard box. Never mind that we spent entire winters flying kites, running kites. Never mind that to me, the face of Afghanistan is that of a boy with a thin-boned frame, a shaved head, and low-set ears, a boy with a Chinese doll face perpetually lit by a harelipped smile." (25) This quote is interesting to me because I never realized that the social barriers in Afghanistan applied to the friendship bewteen Amir and Hassan. I believed they both saw past all that. I now understand where Amir gets this from because as I've read on, Amir seems to take advantage of Hassan quite a bit. I know he values the friendship, but Amir doesn't seem to understand that the benefits of friendship goes both ways. I'm under the impression that Amir would not step up to the plate to help Hassan if Hassan were in a conflict of some sort. On the other hand, I'm 100% sure that Hassan would walk through fire for Amir. This doesn't seem fair and I hope it all evens out before the novel is finished.

The Kite Runner-Week 2, Post A

Vocab:
-Melee (20): a confused hand-to-hand fight or struggle among several people.
-Vehemently (24): zealous; ardent; impassioned

Figurative Language:
"Sometimes, my entire childhood seems like one long lazy summer day with Hassan..." (25) This statement represents a similie describing Amir's view of his childhood.

"To him, the words on the page were a scramble of codes, indecipherable, mysterious." (30) This quote is a metaphor describing what it's like for Hassan to look at piece of literature, considering he is illiterate.

"'Fascinating,' I repeated, a little breathless, feeling like a man who discovers a buried treasure in his own backyard." (30) This passage is an example of a similie describing Amir's reaction to hearing news that his made-up story is quite good.

Quote:
"When they left, I sat on my bed and wish Rahim Kahn had been my father. Then I thought of Baba and his great big chest and how good it felt when he held me against it, how he smelled of Brut in the morning, and how his beard tickled my face. I was overcome with such sudden guilt that I bolted to the bathroom and vomited in the sink." (32) I found the passage interesting because it proves that no matter how cold and selfish a parent can be, you can still love them and see past all that. Baba was extremely cold to Amir in this chapter, and yet Amir cannot find it in him to deny that he is glad to be his son.

Theme:
The theme I have noticed so far is the strength of love between a parent and a child. Baba, to say the least, is not the greatest father in the world and has even admitted to being dissapointed in his son for being who he is. While it's extremely unfortunate that Baba feels this way, it does not stop Amir from loving him. Amir loves his father very much, and he knows about how his father feels about him. This love seems to be able to surpass anything.

The Kite Runner-Week 1, Post B

Dear Khaled Hosseini,
I have only read up to chapter three in your novel, but I am already intrigued by the story. This tale of friendship between Hassan and Amir is truly heartwrenching. I've barely delved into your novel and I'm already in love with the bond between these two boys. They seem to have a hardened friendship that will last the inevitable tragedies ahead. I find myself fascinated by their ability to keep this friendship together despite their distinct cultural and social differences. Hassan receives quite a bit of harrassment for many aspects of his life. First, he is a Shi'a and there has already been a lot of harrassment on that front. Second, he has a cleft lip which unfortunately receives cruel torment. Third, his mother left him a week after she gave birth to him. Hassan receives ridicule for this because his mother has a reputation for being highly seductive and disloyal to Ali, Hassan's father. Also, she is completely unsympathetic and rude and even made fun of Hassan's cleft lip herself when she gave birth to him. His mother, whose name is Sanaubar also joined in with the rest of the neighborhood teenagers in mocking Ali, who suffers from polio. Hassan clearly leads a difficult life and the importance of his friendship with Amir, whose family is quite well-off and respected, is obvious. I am truly touched by this friendship and am eager to continue reading this novel.

Sincerely,
Emily

The Kite Runner-Week 1, Post A

Vocab:
-Harelipped (2): a congenitally deformed lip, usually the upper one, in which there is a vertical fissure causing it to resemble the cleft lip of a hare.
-Impish (8): Of or befitting an imp; mischievous.

Figurative Language:
"Then I glanced up and saw a pair of kites, red with long blue tails, soaring in the sky. They danced high about the trees on the west end of the park..." (1-2) This passage is an example of personification because it gives the inanimate object of a kite the human ability to "dance".

"...floating side by side like a pair of eyes looking down on San Francisco, the city I now call home." (2) This quote is an example of a similie describing the position of the kites in the sky.

"I can still see Hassan up on that tree, sunlight flickering through the leaves on his almost perfectly round face, a face like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood..." (3) This statement is an example of a simlie describing the angelic nature of Hassan's face.

Quote:
"Sometimes I asked Baba if I could sit with them, but Baba would stand in the doorway. 'Go on now,' he'd say. 'This is grown-ups' time. Why don't you go read one of those books of yours?' He's close the door, leave me to wonder why it was always grown-ups' time with him. I'd sit by the door, knees drawn to my chest. Sometimes I sat there for an hour, sometimes two, listening to their laughter, their chatter." (5) I find this quote interesting because it gives the reader insight to the protagonist's hunger for inclusion among the adults in his family. I wonder if he is a neglected child, but I am sure as I read on I will learn if that is a true assumption or not.

Theme:

A theme I have found to be present so far in the novel is friendship. The importance of friendship seems to be a significant theme.

Telemachus's Theme Song: "Can't Stop Now" by Keane

Telemachus is an interesting character because he experiences a transformation rather early in the story. This transformation occures with the help of Athena, but it is a transformation nonetheless. Telemachus is a boy who quite early in the story becomes a man. Once Athena grants him his quest to uncover the fate of his father, Odysseus, he turns a new leaf and takes charge of his own life for once.

It really struck me when Telemachus instructed the suitors to leave his property in book 1. "You suitors who plague my mother...for this evening let us dine in and take our pleasure...but at first light we all march forth to assembly, take our seats so I can give my orders and say to you straight out: You must leave my palace! See to your feasting elsewhere, devour your own possessions, house to house by turns. But if you decide the fare here is better...I'll cry out to the everlasting gods in hopes that Zeus will pay you back with a vengeance..." Finally, he shows some authority over his household. It is his home after all, and he has previosly allowed these boorish men to invade and do as they please. This is a positive transformation and it has allowed Telemachus to make difficult decisions with a new sense of authority as the story continues on.

I chose the song "Can't Stop Now" by Keane because I think it illustrates Telemachus's new outlook on life. The song is about moving forward and being unable to deal with other people's problems because you have your own problems to worry about. This song also discusses the fact that you know you told people you wouldn't leave them behind, but now they must accept that you need to move from them in order to find your meaning in life. I believe the following lyrics describe Telemachus's situation: "I noticed tonight that the world has been turning/While I've been stuck here dithering around/Though I know I said I'd wait around till you need me/But I have to go, I hate to let you down/But I can't stop now/I've got troubles of my own/Cause I'm short on time/I'm lonely/And I'm too tired to talk." This verse displays Telemachus's newfound authority of his own life. It talks about leaving behind people you love in order to fulfill your destiny (Telemachus is leaving behind Penelope) and worrying about your own problems instead of just everybody else's.

Returning to Earth-Week 7, Post B

Dear Jim Harrison,
I'm sorry to say I did not enjoy your novel. I found it quite confusing and while I was able to construct a similar theme throughout the stories I became frusterated with deciphering what was necessary information and what was just ranting. I didn't like that you split up the novel into four parts all narrated by a different character. That was part of the confusion I was experiencing. There seemed to be a lot of pointless storytelling going on that didn't really lead to any conclusive theme or resolution. I figured out that a common theme was letting go. This seemed to be an issue that every character struggled with in some form or another. It was also difficult to understand whether or not the characters overcame their struggle with letting go. There are some characters that appear to have acheived victory over this mental conflict, however, I am still unsure. So basically, your novel has left me in a state of confusion and I feel many issues are left unresolved. I wish I could have understood your novel better because I'm sure that would have hightened my opinion of it and I would have greatly enjoyed it.

Sincerely,
Emily

Returning to Earth-Week 7, Post A

Vocab:
-Quantitative (240): that is or may be estimated by quantity.
-Consternation (243): a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay.

Figurative Language:
"My heart jumped at the idea that I had forgotten the wire transfer to K and Polly so I stopped at the bank..." (246) This quote is an example of personification. The phrase "my heart jumped" gives a humanlike reaction to this organ.

"I fell asleep on the table, my eyes opening now and then to see the snow on the barberry bushes forming thick, fluffy white hats." (252) This statement is an example of imagery describing the shape the snow makes on the bushes in Cynthia's yard.

"Our first hour was so basic in terms of grammar I felt as if I had been sitting in a dentist's chair." (262) This quote is an example of a similie describing how difficult it was for Cynthia to get through her first tutoring session with her new student.

Significant Quote:
"He [Coughlin] said, 'After all, the fact of death is the most brutal thing we humans are forced to accept,' but then the sun came out again and I told him that the day after the burial Herald had said, 'Mother, it can't be awful if it happens to every living thing.'" (253) I found this quote interesting because I believe that both men are correct in their thinking. I interpret Coughlin's statement to be correct if he his referring to the people who have to watch their loved ones pass or witness an actual death occur. In that sense, I agree that death is an extremely brutal thing to go through. On the other hand, I interpret Herald's statement as being aimed towards the people who have actually died. His outlook is that dying is not a horrible, horrible thing, but must be somewhat managable for the person dying since everybody goes through death at one point. As far as my interpretations of these statements go, both men are correct.

Theme:
The theme that seems to be present in this passage is healthy grieving. There are clear ways to acheive healthy grieving, and one may not realize that simply getting on with their life may not be as healthy as one thinks.

Returning to Earth-Week 6, Post B

Quote:
"In July I had spent the afternoon with a brilliant forestry professor from Michigan Tech over in Houghton discussing the history of logging in the Upper Peninsula. At the cabin over a glass of wine he looked at me askance and said, 'Nearly all of the ill effects that you've traced to your family took place one hundred years ago or more. You're talking as if it were yesterday and still going on today and that you can do something to ameliorate the situation. You remind me of some of my save-the-world environmental students. I have great sympathy with their earnestness but such purity of heart can lead to radical self-deception. You have to learn to ignore the disastrous big picture and come down to the singular wetland or piece of forest you might wish to rescue. Of course you have to comprehend the science, the details of the whole picture, but cast your role as a screwdriver rather than a tank.'" (186-187) I found this quote extremely interesting because I had just stated in my previous post that I believed the theme to be forget and let go. This quote proves that I was correct in my belief that David holds events that occured in the past in such high esteem so as to believe that they are reversible. This quality forces him to be unable to let these problems go unresolved, when in fact, they cannot be resolved. David must learn to simply adapt to what the past events have created for him instead of trying to deflect what has already been created. David appears to be a rather resilient person, however, I believe that deep down he struggles to accept what the past has done for his life and works much too hard to try to change that. David's main conflict in this novel is with himself and his inability to accept that the what has occured in the past is set in stone and cannot be changed.

Returning to Earth-Week 6, Post A

Vocab:
-Bereft (177): to deprive and make desolate, esp. by death.
-Scant (183): barely sufficient in amount or quantity; not abundant; almost inadequate

Figurative Language:
"The thought if bald Laurie in her last days rattles my heart in its flimsy cage." (178) This statement is an example of a imagery describing the weakened state of David's heart.

"I stop under a streetlight and think about Donald and how the death of a man who was so loved seems to exhaust everyone as if they're struggling in a vacuum and not quite enough air is being pumped in for survival." (180) This quote is an example of a similie describing the stateof Donald's loved ones after his death.

"I felt like a soldier being sent off to battle by three young women who had no knowledge or direct contact with war." (182) This passage is an example of a similie describing David's feelings about a compromise made between him and three women from his church organization.

Significant Quote:
"While sipping my coffee I wondered if 'I don't care' was the hole that my dream bear had disappered into. I felt wondorously light looking out the kitchen window into the darkness. Naturally I doubted if this good feeling would last but as Vernice says, 'Kiss the joy as it flies.'" (185) This quote is significant because it seems to be the first time David has ever allowed himself to let anything go unfinished. He appears to be quite a perfectionist and doesn't like to leave problems unsolved. This makes for a very stressful lifestyle. For the first time, David is able to let his guard down and let the problem be dealt with by the people who started it. This is a big leap for David.

Theme:
The main theme that seems present in this portion of the novel is forget and let go. There are things that are important to hold on to, however one musn't let them run their life.